Hi, Debby. My ticket, round-trip, to Rome a few weeks ago was $298 round-trip, from Atlanta to Rome, plus taxes. Where can I go for that price? I found it on Travelocity.com and booked directly through British Air in London. Once you're there, you can find pensiones, small hotels, even in Rome for 90,000 lira per night...that's about $60. I can't go to the beach for that! Those who really do not mind simple accomodations stay in hostels for about $25.00 , sometimes less! Smaller towns, say in Tuscany, have even private rooms available. San Gimignano, for example, has many private rooms available through the tourist office on the main square. The Agritourismo vineyards have very reasonable accomodations. Research all the guides and websites. You can do Europe for what you would do a trip here in the states!

It's so nice to read all these messages. I'm a starving student up here in Canada, and I'm using up my life savings for my trip to England on May the 10th. I thought this might be my one big blast before the 'realities' of work set in. Now, I know that it's possible to travel without making a fortune. I think life would be so much more interesting travelling, rather than fixing up the kitchen cupboards. <BR>Thanks for all the ideas! <BR>amber

It's really amazing just how much you can accomplish once you set you mind to doing it and it is so true that a trip to Europe is no more than a trip to the "other coast", or Disneyworld, here in the states. I've talked to people and when they find out we've traveled or are planning a trip they say "doesn't a trip like that cost $10,000?" I say sure, when you do everything wrong, don't shop around, and don't do your homework! <BR> <BR>My husband and I count our blessings AND our lucky stars every day. We've been self-employed for 8 years and have built a fairly successful business. We are far from rich and still have to save for trips like everyone else but the flexibility our business gives us with midweek and on-the-spot travel is great. Also, we don't like traveling in the heat so that rules out the high season. We either go by the end of May or we wait until September. <BR> <BR>Because most of life is lived in the "daily grind" we try to strike a compromise between day-to-day living and saving. Here's what we do... <BR> <BR>We both drive 10 year-old cars; we live in a modestly sized townhouse; we go to the movies but usually see the matinee or rent one; we like food so we do go out to dinner but we try to limit it to 2-3 times a week; we usually eat lunch at the shop and only eat lunch out 1-2 times a week; we stay at 2-3 star hotels for $100 or less; we travel light and always take the metro; and, lastly, we don't worry about how long we are going to be there. I often hear people talking about "making the trip worth it", but I have no problem flying for 12 hours (from the west coast) to spend 3-4 days in Paris. I really don't think it's a big deal. I can see not wanting to fly for 12 hours to spend 12 hours, but to spend 3-4 days? Why not? If you can plan a 4-6 day trip, that's half the price of a 2 week trip. <BR> <BR>Probably one of the best ways I save money is to never have any money on me. My rule is to only have 1's, 5's, and 10's in my wallet. Everything bigger goes in my "trip envelope." Even I was surprised at how fast it added up for our recent trip. Towards the first part of Feb. we decided to take a trip at the end of March. We had 7 weeks to pull it off. I had wanted to save $1,500 cash for "walk around" money and so we could give a little to the kids. Well, in 7 weeks I managed to put away $2,000. I was shocked. We had already paid for the tickets and here we were with MORE cash than we needed! That never happens! Of course, if I knew I had to go grocery shopping or something I would pull out what I needed, but it really made me think. Do I really need this? Do I really want this more than I want a trip to Europe? Do I really want to spend this money on "XYZ" rather than crepes, fish n' chips, or metro passes? This method really helped me save. <BR> <BR>Sorry to on and on. I've been helped alot on this site and I hope that I can say something that helps someone else. <BR> <BR>Remember - PHOTOS AND MEMORIES NEVER DIE AND THEY COST NOTHING TO MAINTAIN... <BR> <BR>Have a Great Weekend :-)

Partly just to bring it to the top again (such a great topic, and responses!) and partly just to comment... <BR> <BR>KT: Please don't apologize. I didn't get that you were whining, but making a point about some situations for some people. (But a flame proof suit is always a good thing to pack, isn't it?) <BR> <BR>Jo, in NZ...I've looked at the globe plenty of times, but to realize the time & money it takes for you to explore Europe is really boggling. And I'm one of those "Seven-hours!-You-want-me-to- sit-on-a-plane-for-seven-hours" wimps. <BR> <BR>Anyway, if this thread doesn't fire everyone up to start piggy-banking for that next travel splurge...nothing will.

Hooray for all you young people who know how to save a dime to turn it into a buck! I applaud your planning, your thrift, and your heart! I confess. I was spoiled at a young age. I got an all-expenses-paid free Grand Tour of Europe when I was 18. Only thing was, I had to carry a rifle to get it. Then 30 years clicked by before we returned, my wife, our two daughters, and me. Would I take those two teenage girls again? You bet. And maybe I will live long enough to go back with my granddaughter to find those places where I slept in the woods, smelled the Germans cooking breakfast, and hated the thought that they would soon be coming our way again.

I was out of the country for a few days so missed this post until it got *huge*, as it is now. So many posts, I couldn't take the time to read them all completely as they are so detailed, but it does look like similar good advise voiced over and over by folks. I myself am in rather a different situation as I have never worked full time in my life as I inherited money. I have not even worked part time in 12 years. (I do volunteer work at a local domestic violence center and a wildlife rehabilitation center). I travel about half of the year on various trips of various lengths. <BR>However, like most of the people who posted here I do not actually spend vast amounts on things. I simply am not interested in fancy clothes or impressing others. When I travel I stay in places where the locals stay as I like to meet local people, not other tourists. Actually I would probably be traveling all of the time if it were not for two facts; I like to travel with companions and most cannot travel that much and two, I live in a spectacularly beautiful location so I don't mind being home half the time.

I have not read all posts, but have read many excellent ones. It seems all the good ideas/advice have been given up to this point, and maybe someone already said what I'm about to. <BR> <BR>My husband and I pride ourselves on being one of (it seems) the few who do not pay interest on our credit card monthly. We only have one card and only charge what we can afford each month and pay the entire bill each month (seems so obvious, but it's a pervasive problem in US.) <BR> <BR>We like using our credit card because there is a record of the purchase, and you have recourse should there be a problem, and it's convenient. I find it a hassle to write checks or carry a lot of cash. <BR> <BR>It's such a waste to pay interest on money you've already spent - you have absolutely nothing to show for the interest you pay, no vacation, food, clothing, nothing. Don't spend what you don't have, and then pay more on that, and you'll have more to travel with!

John, the lady you asked about (author of the Tightwad Gazette) is married, with 6 kids. She fed and clothed them all and paid off a huge house and two cars on her husband's $30,000 military salary. Then made a fortune publishing a newsletter telling how she did it and is now retired with enough money to live on and send six kids to college without ever having to work again. Her name is Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced like "decision") Newsletters were all compiled into three books, just recently combined into a single volume. <BR> <BR> Anna

Anna, thanks, but no thanks. I hope she is still married and happily. I don't need anyone with 6 kids. That would blow any travel budget.

Debby, I am a single parent and with all the expected and unexpected expenses through the years that my child was growing up I could not budget out some funds for travel. A friend of mine convinced me to visit her timeshare condo and I purchased one timeshare week inexpensively. The benefits since then were great: 1. the installment loan I took with them "forced" me to put money away towards travelling, 2. we have traded our week for travel to the Caribbean, Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida, Spain, Portugal, and France, 3. I have finished paying our loan and since the timeshare was "deeded" it is mine for life and I can pass it to my daughter for a one week vacation every year with small annual maintenance fee. The unit we own has 2 bdrms (sleeps 6) and full kitchen in a quality resort so we can trade to the same size and quality every year. You can take friends or family along to share your unit at a savings for them, too. or they can chip in to help pay for your airfare in return for accomodations. The timeshare idea is not for everyone but has helped me to save on hotels, restaurants, and I also used the unit as a base to take 1-2 day trips from or supplement paid accomodations. We have not been disappointed with this investment. <BR>

<BR>Debby, <BR> <BR>Absolutely NOT. I have a small home (condo) and a moderately priced car. When I travel I try to find inexpensive airfares and stay in small hotels (2 star) and B&Bs. I save my change every day and roll it up and put it into my "travel account." The year I needed to buy a car I had to say "no" to Europe and go to Canada since it's closer to where I live. Any extra money I get for Christmas I save for traveling. <BR> <BR>I try to travel with a friend for companionship and also because hotel rooms and car rentals divided by two make traveling more affordable. I'm jealous of people on this web site who can afford to stay at the Danieli in Venice or spend $200 to $300 a night for lodging. My limit in the country is $50 for a room (divided by 2) and in cities $100. <BR> <BR>I'm just glad I earn enough money to take 1 trip to Europe a year (this year it may be 2 trips if I'm lucky). I have plenty of vacation time (8 weeks at this point) but not enough money to go several times (I can't take more than 2-1/2 weeks at a time). I know other people like myself who are on tight budgets. One of my friends belongs to a ski club and the trips she takes sound wonderful and are inexpensive. I may join her club next year even though I don't ski. <BR> <BR>Thanks for this thread. <BR>

Hi. Understand your question. One of the keys is to plan ahead. You can still get deals rt for $298 or a little more. You have to buy you tickets in advance [well ahead] some times. We stay in 2 star hotels maybe 3 star. Only requirement is toilet and shower in room. Stay away from American hotel chains. Most European hotels outside of Italy and France offer breakfast included. A substantial meal. For lunch, buy bread, rolls and get deli. Even if you don't speak the language POINT, food is sold by the gram or kilogram. The grocery stores or supermankets are good places to buy these as well as seeing the average european and how they live. At night we have pizza alot. Most pizza places or Italian restaurants are Italian owned and the pizza is authentically Italian, which you casn't get at home. Treat yourself occasionally to a good restaurant and or a fancy hotel if you want. We rent a car also. We have been doing this yearly since 1986. Not on a very large budget either or salaries.. It's a matter of planning. 3days in Disneyworld admiission alone probably costs what 2 days in a moderaste priced hotel costs depending omn the country. We go to Central and Eastern Europe a lot and we have had one year where hotels were $15 a night and a meal was $5-10 for 2 at night. Italy, Switzerland very expensive especially hotels. Food too. Think of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and even Frasnce outside of Paris. Enjoy

I have truly enjoyed the 71 messages on this subject and I appreciate the openness of each person responding. <BR> <BR>One thing I'd like to clarify for Debby is this: affording travel to Europe once a year AND living a life that has some/a lot of luxuries does not have to be a mutually exclusive existence. <BR>It is not an all-or-nothing situation. <BR>If it suits you, try to do both. <BR> <BR>There is no secret to becoming wealthy if you didn't inherit it and can't marry it: choose a profession in which you control the income and your time; work the business and take care of your clients; stack up the dough and don't touch it; don't spend your money on everything you see; and then please, please, enjoy your good fortune and don't apologize because you have it. <BR> <BR>

I just spent my lunch hour reading all these posts! Tony and I are not rich! I love to travel. I remember in high school making lists of places to visit. We travel to Europe once a year (or take a cruise to the Caribbean). Twice I traveled with my Mother for 3 weeks to Spain! Now, that was great! My husband probably wouldn't like more than a 2-week vacation. For me, give me more weeks! <BR> <BR>Like many others, I choose small hotels, under $100 (Spain was great in 1994 and 1996 where we averaged $45 a night at decent hotels; Venice last May was $90/night and right on the Grand Canal). We walk every where, take the metro or bus when we're tired, and a taxi only when absolutely necessary. Besides, with walking, one can see a lot more than the bus or train. We stick to small, good value restaurants and picnic during the day. <BR> <BR>I haven't mastered getting the best airline ticket prices yet, but I like the idea of getting a credit card that provides points. I like to travel in the late April to May timeframe because it's still the low/shoulder season, the weather is great, and crowds are small. Here's our problem: Tony's a pilot so we could fly for free; HOWEVER, the times that we want to/have to (based on his vacation dates) travel we can't get on board (we have to fly stand-by, plus it's based on seniority)! So, we buy our tickets. I've used consolidators and even received a $200 coupon from Air France, which we'll use for our trip to France in 2 weeks. We could probably travel easily during the winter season, but weather is important to me since we're outdoors a lot. Besides, it would be too cold for the outdoor cafes and restaurants! <BR> <BR>Ditto: I work to travel! <BR> <BR>Thank you to everyone who has posted here at Fodors. I have always appreciated everyone's comments/suggestions, and ideas. I think this is a great travel web site and I will be here for a long time! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thanks to all of you.... <BR> <BR>...who took the time to share your tips. I've really gotten some excellent ideas through all of your wonderful posts. <BR> <BR>I even managed to go back and find the old thread on this same topic and gleaned help from it too <BR> <BR>I already drive a 10yr old car, and I cut up all the dept. store credit cards a long time ago, but there are still many areas that I now see that I need to rethink and work on and trim down. <BR> <BR>It's very true......after they stamped my passport that first time....I was completely hooked. <BR> <BR> <BR>Thanks again... <BR> <BR>Debby <BR> <BR>

Travel for my husband and me I is as important as any other expense that we budget for each year. We realize that we have no guaratee that we will live to retire and feel that the money we use for our trips is well spent. <BR> <BR>My husband manages a large funeral home and works many hours each week. Often our vacation time is the only time that we are assured of having without beng interrupted. <BR> <BR>We plan one European vacation, one summer trip to the Caribbean islands and sometimes a long weekend to New York. We both drive foreign cars but the cost is really no more than a cheap American model that has to be replaced more often. My Volvo is 9 years old and still drives like a new car. My husband's Mercedes is four years old and he plans on keeping it for many more years. Our home is paid for and we never keep a balance on our credit cards. We really have no great expenses other than our travel. We both contribute the maximum in our retirements accounts with the goal of retiring at 55. <BR> <BR>We are lucky to have inherited money and that has made it possible for us to save for retirement and travel also. Most of my idle time during the year is spent researching places to go. <BR>

Well, I do ok for myself... <BR> <BR>Ted

Ted, <BR> Hah! You call the paltry pittance you earn "doing OK???" <BR> <BR>*ROFL* <BR> <BR>Bill.

You guys are cute!!!!

Hint : You like foreign countries ? Like foreigners ! <BR>I have beeen in the states for 14 months, going back to France end of May. I'm just working here. But so many people have been friendly with me, how could I not welcome them when they'll visit France ? <BR>A friend of my wife housed us in New Jersey last month, cause the big apple is too expensive for us : she'll be home whenever she stops by our place in Grenoble, France. <BR>Seriously, making friends is an other great way to travel. Don't feel embarrassed because it looks like you're "interested" : if you don't like the people you're talking to, you won't get friends, and you'll never see them again. Otherwise it'll be a pleasure to stay at your friends place, or house them, without a single back-though. Today, I can go in Finland, England, Spain, Italy, Gernamny, Chile, Colombia, America (SF, NY, DFW, etc...), without thinking of stoping at the hotel. Obviously the draw-back is you can't go everywhere that way. But if you go to a friends' place in january, you can probably afford to go to a hotel in july... <BR>So make friends arround you, where you are : somedays you'll get close enough to house each other !